Leigh Ann Von Hagen has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) at Rutgers University. With over two decades of experience at VTC, Von Hagen is recognized for her work in transportation and land use planning, environmental planning, and public health.
Previously serving as Managing Director of the Active Transportation Group, she led initiatives such as the NJDOT Safe Routes to School Resource Center and the NJDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center. Her focus has been on fostering inclusive communities through research, education, and partnerships. Recently, she addressed issues in active transportation like micromobility and pedestrian safety.
Reflecting on her tenure at VTC, Von Hagen stated, “Twenty years ago, I joined VTC to work on bicycle and pedestrian projects, and I seized the opportunity to pursue my passion for urban planning and research. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of leading impactful research and initiatives that have driven significant policy and practice changes. As Executive Director, I remain committed to advancing safety, promoting health and equity, and enhancing access through research, education, training, and community engagement. I deeply appreciate the leadership of my predecessors Jon Carnegie and Martin Robins and I look forward to building on VTC’s legacy of innovation.”
Robert Noland, Ph.D., VTC Director praised her achievements: “Leigh Ann has been instrumental in securing and managing substantial grant funding, leading multidisciplinary research teams, publishing impactful reports and journal articles, and guiding the next generation of planners through teaching and training programs. We are excited about this new chapter under her leadership and confident about the future of VTC under her capable leadership.”
